Naoya Inoue Takes a Step Nearer to Historic Tokyo Clash After Dominant Win.

Naoya Inoue cleared the path for a highly-anticipated domestic super-fight by successfully defending his undisputed titles with a clear points victory over the Mexican challenger in Riyadh on Saturday.

A Masterful Performance from Start to Finish

Widely regarded as one of the world's top P4P fighters, "The Monster" was in complete control from the first round. He neutralized the once-undefeated Picasso with a combination of devastating precision, lightning hand speed, and relentless pressure. The scorecards reflected his superiority with wide scores of 117-111, 119-109, and 120-108.

“I could have done better,” remarked Inoue through a translator. “I am happy with the win, but I feel exhausted. After some rest, I will return stronger.”

Even while conceding significant height and reach to his opponent, the champion imposed his will with sharp counterpunching and hurtful combinations to the body. He wobbled Picasso midway through the bout and repeatedly pierced his defensive guard, forcing him into a survival mode as the contest progressed.

Laying the Groundwork for a Domestic Blockbuster

The win arranges a potential historic encounter with fellow countryman the rising star. Nakatani scored his own win on the undercard, earning a points victory in his first fight at the 122-pound limit.

“I moved up to this division to win world titles,” declared Nakatani. “Should the opportunity arise, I will seize it.”

The champion responded in kind without making a definite announcement. “Both of us had very good wins tonight,” he noted. “For next year, we will decide what happens. But Japanese fans should expect something very good.”

The Prospect of a Generation-Defining Battle

Should it be made, an Inoue–Nakatani bout—widely rumored for 3 May at the legendary venue—would pit two unbeaten, multi-weight titleholders in their physical primes. This constitutes a unique event in modern boxing and is viewed by many as a contender for the most significant contest in Japan's rich boxing history.